Starbucks — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I have always seen this and always busy when I visit Ralph’s. But today, it is really cold and I need something to warm my cold hands and feet. First time, I order from this busy and small location.

Arielle is professional and friendly. The first time I order, it is she and the other old gentleman who serve me and both are nice. The second time I visit, Arielle is the only one there to take order and brew coffee for me. I also find out that she likes video games, which is rare for females in my life circle. She is indeed unique.

The coffee is pretty standarized and cannot duplicate at home even with my Breville. I guess I will just have to keep visiting Starbucks and accumulate my points. The place has only counter to order and the seating area is outside. Two times I visit, both are cold and raining, and that is just right for the hot coffee outdoor. Luckily, no one is smoking in the tiny area.

Starbucks is not going to give you any surprises when you order. It is always good no matter where you go. And this why they are successful. And the location is really strategic that you visit supermarket, you get a chance to have good coffee.

Today I visited again and had a funny yet busy lady who served me. She is funny and I had a very good and relaxed converse with her while I was waiting to get my mocha. Starbucks is good!

I know understaff is a serious issue. This branch has been placing only one person here and it has been always slow when you have someone or more than one in front of you. It is taking very long time to get your order. I just waited 12 minutes for a cup of coffee and there was only one girl in front of me.

Besides that, they also close early...

One barista I had was great. The one today barely got my order correct and now I’m afraid to drink it. I am lactose intolerant and sensitive to caffeine. First he didn’t hear that I wanted coconut milk, then he charged me for a brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso with both blonde espresso AND decaf. All I wanted was a decaf shaken espresso with coconut milk. The drink he charged me for was a dollar more than the drink I actually ordered. I feel like I completely wasted my money because I’m not sure if there is regular espresso in my drink now. I’ve been a barista before, it’s not that hard. I was short on time and already spent 5 minutes explaining myself to get the order right and make sure I wasn’t charged twice. I’m not happy and...

This location really needs to train their barista's better. I was overcharged for a grande tea with honey. The grande tea comes with two tea bags but I was charged extra for the second one. I typically can have honey added to my tea w/o being charged extra for it. This particular person up-charged me without telling me that it's an additional charge. It doesn't even tastes like she added honey, so she charged me more for something I did not get. I ended up paying almost $5 for a $3 drink. I usually get this drink and I know it does not cost that much. This barista really turned me off from location. Beware of this Starbucks location. You may be overcharged and...